Choosing an early learning centre is one of those big family decisions that takes time, trust and a really good feeling when you walk through the door. Parents want to know their child will be supported, encouraged and surrounded by educators who genuinely care. Rise & Shine Kindergarten understands this, and 2025 has been a year that showed exactly how committed they are to creating exceptional learning experiences for every child.
Award Winning and Proudly Australian and Family owned
Rise & Shine Kindergarten is 100 percent family owned, something that comes through in every part of their culture. This year, they achieved a huge milestone by becoming the first early childhood provider to receive the Teachers’ Guild of NSW Excellence Award. The award recognises their commitment to innovation and the inquiry based Shine Advantage Curriculum, which blends play, STEM, creativity and confidence building.
Their educators were at the heart of this achievement. Every day they bring learning to life with warmth, passion and an understanding of what helps children thrive.
Orbit Takes Learning to New Heights
One of the biggest favourites among children and families was the launch of the Orbit Mobile STEM Shuttle. Opened with the support of Brand Ambassador Mary Fowler, Orbit is fully equipped with holograms, LEGO, engineering challenges, telescopes and hands on coding stations.
The Shuttle travelled far and wide throughout 2025. It delivered 39 Orbit excursions and 40 Science Week shows across NSW and QLD. Whether it visited a Rise & Shine service, a school or a community event, it sparked wonder and encouraged children to explore the world around them.
Families in the Shire can expect even more Orbit visits in 2026, creating opportunities for children to fall in love with STEM from an early age.
Supporting Children from Early Learning to Primary School
Another standout this year was the Early to Excellence Program, which strengthens partnerships with local schools. Through shared activities, reading groups, excursions and Orbit interactive sessions, children became more comfortable and prepared for the transition from preschool to Kindergarten.
It means Rise & Shine children aren’t just ready for school, they feel excited for it.
Care+ at the Core of Everything
Infants and toddlers benefit from the personalised Care+ approach, which focuses on trust, independence and genuine connection. This year, Rise & Shine held a dedicated Care+ Conference with keynote speaker Sharon Smith, a respected RIE Associate from New Zealand. Sharon also visited several services to guide and mentor educators.
Care+ is supported by the Rise & Shine Operations team and their Curriculum and Practice Manager, ensuring every service provides a consistent and nurturing experience.
The organisation also introduced a Group Safety Officer and Centre Safety Officers across all services. It reflects the importance Rise & Shine places on creating safe, secure environments for children and families.
A Community That Keeps Growing
Across their services, 2025 also included:
- Over 2,000 Soccer Joeys sessions
- Thirty Kindy+ excursions and a refreshed Kindy Plus Bus wrap
- Two Shine Conferences for all educators
- Twelve LEAP professional development sessions
- Two national TV appearances
- Smart Start rooms preparing for their tenth anniversary in 2026
- Three weddings and eight new babies within the Rise & Shine crew
It has been a joyful and busy year, and the team is excited for what is to come.
Now Enrolling for 2026
Rise & Shine Kindergarten Sylvania and Menai are finalising their remaining positions for 2026. Families are encouraged to book a tour or join the waitlist while places are still available.
If you are looking for a warm, innovative and genuinely supportive early learning environment, this is a wonderful time to explore the Rise & Shine difference.
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Book a Tour
Rise & Shine Kindergarten Sylvania
111-115 Princes Hwy, Sylvania
Rise & Shine Kindergarten Menai
26/28 Allison Cres, Menai
